From these Bible verses we know that the Creator, God Himself, loved the people of earth even before He created the world. This delight and joy also included having us share His happiness in His created things. This even includes learning about the many varieties of toads and frogs that He has placed in the world.
In response to the title question, “Is it a frog or a toad?” the term “frog” is used many times to describe what actually is a toad. In spite of similarities, there are many differences. Toads, for instance, have no teeth whereas most frogs do. Toads have hind feet which are only partially webbed while frogs’ feet are fully webbed. Only toads are covered with warty skin, having poison in glands behind each eye and in each wart, that irritates and sometimes kills enemies (although it is harmless to humans). (Incidentally, it is not true that handling toads will give you warts.)
The eyes of toads are interesting, and many people think that they are quite pretty. Each variety has its own colors and jewel-like design. Like frogs, toads seldom blink their eyes.
Both toads and frogs have excellent patience, sitting perfectly still for long periods of time, waiting for a morsel of food to come swimming, crawling or flying by. Then, a quick flick of its long tongue will capture its dinner.
Most frogs and toads make their homes in warm climates. However, one that likes the cold is the boreal toad, a resident of British Columbia and Alaska. Another also preferring the northern climate is the Hudson Bay toad, a heavily warted specimen distinguished by a white stripe down the center of its green back.
One of the most interesting is the Surinam species of South America which is so flat it looks like it has been stepped on. Never leaving the water, it eats small fish, insects, worms, etc. Its long and slim, webless front fingers are very sensitive to touch, and with them most of its food is found. When the female lays eggs the male places them, one by one, in pockets on her back, and her skin quickly closes over them, providing a separate incubator for each. After several weeks they come out fully developed adults and do not have to go through the tadpole stage as most others do.
There is also a six-inch-long, four-inch-wide American toad, given the name of giant, but it is actually only about half the size of its cousin, the well-known American bullfrog.
These and a great number of other varieties are, like each of us, always under the watchful eye of our Creator, the Lord Jesus Christ. God’s Word, the Bible, tells us: “Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the Lord hath wrought this? In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind.” Job 12:9,109Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the Lord hath wrought this? 10In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind. (Job 12:9‑10). Have you ever thanked Him for watching over you?
(to be continued)
ML-08/19/1984